Flora Survey Guidelines - Protected Plants

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Flora Survey Guidelines - Protected Plants

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Prepared by: Business Reform, Nature Conservation Services, Department of Environment and Heritage Protection

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Disclaimer

This document has been prepared with all due diligence and care, based on the best available information at the time of publication. The department holds no responsibility for any errors or omissions within this document. Any decisions made by other parties based on this document are solely the responsibility of those parties. Information contained in this document is from a number of sources and, as such, does not necessarily represent government or departmental policy.

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1. Purpose

This document constitutes the approved flora survey guidelines made by the chief executive under section 253 of the Nature Conservation (Wildlife Management) Regulation 2006 ('the regulation'). The purpose of this document is to outline how a flora survey must be conducted in order to meet the requirements of the protected plants

legislative framework for clearing protected plants. This guideline aims to provide clarity to environmental consultants and proponents on the expected principles and protocols of flora surveys required to assist decision-making processes associated with clearing protected plants in Queensland. The guideline will achieve this by applying a consistent approach to collecting appropriate botanical data, including standard requirements necessary for assessing the impact of proposals on plant diversity, particularly endangered, vulnerable and near threatened (EVNT) species. The guideline will also ensure that flora surveys conducted are presented to the department in the appropriate format, in order to contribute to improved data on protected plants in Queensland.

The guideline is necessary to specify the minimum requirements that must be met to ensure that the flora surveys undertaken are of a sufficient standard. It is not the intention of this guideline to limit further measures for

consultants and proponents to collect appropriate data on protected plants.

It should be noted that, when interpreting this guideline, any words present in italics have specific meaning and are defined in the 'key definitions' section (5.2).

2. Background

The Queensland Government is adopting a risk-based approach to the regulation of protected plants under the

Nature Conservation Act 1992. The regulatory framework will capture activities that pose a high risk to plant biodiversity. Clearing activities that are outside of an area identified as a high risk area on the flora survey trigger map will not be subject to flora survey requirements.

Regulatory, educational and compliance effort will consequently be focused on high risk activities.

Under the framework, when a non-exempt clearing activity is proposed within a high risk area, the proponent of that activity is required to complete a flora survey prior to commencement of clearing.

The main objective of the flora survey will be to locate any EVNT plants that may be present in the clearing impact area. This will be particularly important for determining the degree of assessment required for a particular clearing activity. For example, if the survey establishes that EVNT plant species are not present within the clearing impact area, the proposed clearing will be exempt and, following notification to the department, a clearing permit will not be required. Alternatively, if EVNT plant species are identified, and clearing is considered to impact on the EVNT plant (i.e. clearing comes within 100m of the EVNT plant) then an application for a protected plant clearing permit is required.

This document has been developed following consultation with industry groups, agricultural sector, linear infrastructure providers, conservation groups and ecological consultants.

A flowchart outlining the process and requirements for clearing protected plants in Queensland has been provided as Flowchart 1 below. This also depicts the process for determining whether this guideline applies to a particular project or not.

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Flowchart 1 Process for determining when the flora survey guideline applies

3. Legislative requirements

3.1 Clearing within a high risk area

For clearing within an area identified as high risk on the flora survey trigger map, a flora survey is required to identify EVNT plants that are or are likely to be present. The flora survey must cover the area to be cleared as well as a buffer area of 100m around the clearing. This total area is referred to as the clearing impact area.

As shown in Flowchart 2, the results of the survey will either lead to the requirement for a protected plant clearing permit, or for the proponent to submit the results of the flora survey to gain an exemption.

If EVNT plant species are identified in the clearing impact area, then the flora survey report will be required to support an application for a protected plant clearing permit.

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If the survey establishes that EVNT plants species are not present within the clearing impact area, the proposed clearing will be exempt and, following notification to the department, a clearing permit will not be required.

Flowchart 2: Process for clearing within a high risk area

3.2 Survey requirements

Section 257 of the regulation requires a flora survey and a flora survey report to comply with this guideline. Section 257 of the regulation also allows for the chief executive to agree to an alternative survey methodology for carrying out a flora survey or flora survey report if the methodology is determined to be suitable for identifying the presence of EVNT plants within a clearing impact area.

3.2.1 Clearing impact area

For clearing within an area identified as high risk, the flora survey is to be undertaken within the clearing impact area, defined under section 249 of the regulation as the area to be cleared to the extent it is within a high risk area, together with a buffer zone - an additional area 100m in width around the development footprint. Diagrams

illustrating examples of the area to be surveyed are provided below.

Where this may not be appropriate for particular proponents, an alternative buffer width can be proposed and may be agreed by the chief executive. This may be appropriate in circumstances such as, for example, where the applicant can demonstrate there is inaccessible terrain, or if the applicant can demonstrate that all reasonable attempts have been made to gain landholder permission but the landholder does not give consent to access the land to be surveyed.

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3.2.2 Suitably qualified person

Flora surveys are to be co-ordinated and led by a person who has considerable experience in conducting botanical surveys, including the identification of EVNT species ('a suitably qualified person'). In this instance, the suitably qualified person must have:

 Professional qualification or formal training in plant identification and the taxonomy of Queensland flora; and  A minimum of five years’ experience in undertaking surveys for EVNT species.

Proponents may wish to deploy a person who they believe to be suitably qualified but does not meet the above thresholds, for example, they have less that 5 years experience but have conducted a significant number of surveys. In such a case, the proponents may seek approval in writing (either by letter or email) from the

Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) to rely on that person as a suitably qualified person. Contact details for such an application may be found on the EHP website at www.ehp.qld.gov.au

The survey report is to include a statement to justify the suitability of the person. The suitably qualified person is not required to be independent of the project proponent, provided that their skills and experience are appropriate. Surveys may be conducted by teams that include members with less than 5 years’ experience, provided that they are working under the close supervision of a suitably qualified person. The suitably qualified person will hold ultimate accountability for the results of the flora field survey. Curricula vitae for the survey team are to be provided as an appendix to the flora survey report and are to highlight significant studies undertaken by personnel as evidence of their suitability for the role.

Where curricula vitae have been previously provided to EHP through this process, there is no need to provide them again in future reports. The report should indicate the person or people in the survey for whom curricula vitae have previously been provided.

3.2.3 Timing of survey

The optimal time of year to undertake EVNT surveys varies across taxa and ecosystems. During the desktop component of the assessment, the most appropriate time of the year to undertake the flora field survey is to be determined. Specifically, the survey is to be undertaken when there is the highest possible chance of detecting the EVNT species. The report is to include a statement to justify the timing of the survey.

Where project timeframes are constrained such that the flora survey cannot be undertaken within an appropriate timeframe to maximise the chance of detecting the target species, this fact and the reasons for it must be articulated in the report.

The report is required to detail any limitations associated with the timing of the survey, together with any recommendations for subsequent surveys. By way of example, this may include the timing, weather, season, weather cycle, disturbances (fire, flood, accidental human intervention etc.), and access problems.

3.2.4 Unidentified plant species

If a plant taxon cannot be identified during field investigations and is suspected of being an EVNT species, a specimen must be collected and preserved for later identification with the assistance of resources such as field guides and keys. In accordance with section 261S of the regulation, where a specimen cannot be identified to the species level, it should be lodged with the Queensland Herbarium for formal identification unless it can confidently be concluded that it is not an EVNT species. Specimen collection and vouchering should be done in accordance with the Queensland Herbarium (2013) procedures.

3.3 Reporting requirements

3.3.1 Flora survey report

Under section 250 of the regulation, a flora survey report is defined as a report about the results of a flora survey for a clearing impact area.

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3.3.2 Required content for flora survey report

A flora survey report submitted to the department must include results that demonstrate that the survey undertaken was appropriately comprehensive to provide a high level of confidence that the EVNT species that might occur in the area have been identified and accounted for: Specifically, these are:

 the species of EVNT found, their location on the site, and an estimate of the populations of those species in the clearing impact area.

 A description of the supporting habitat around any EVNT's identified in the buffer area;  A measure of power or, if not practical, error for the estimates must be included.

 A statement to justify the suitability and qualifications of the person undertaking the flora survey.  Curricula vitae for the survey team undertaking the flora survey.

 Justification of the timing of the flora survey and detail of any limitations associated with the timing of the survey.  A GIS shapefile of the area to be cleared.

 A GIS shapefile (map) of the different habitat types identified for the clearing impact area and the GPS data showing the on-ground surveys undertaken.

 A map or plan of the clearing impact area including the locations of all EVNT species or populations of species found.

 A map or plan of the proposed land use requiring the area to be cleared.  A description of the location.

 The date or dates the clearing is expected to occur.

 A discussion of the potential impacts and mitigative measures

3.3.3 Flora survey report submission

A flora survey report must be submitted to the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection in the following circumstances:

 An activity exempt under section 261ZA ― if no EVNT plant species were found on site, or EVNT plant species are present but impacts are to be avoided.

 An application for a protected plant clearing permit ― if EVNT plant species are present and impacts are unavoidable.

3.3.4 Timing of survey submission

A flora survey report must be submitted to the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection at the appropriate time:

 For an activity exempt under section 261ZA: the flora survey report must be submitted to the department at least 1 week before the person starts clearing, and no later than 12 months after the completion of the flora survey that was undertaken for the report.

 For an application for a clearing permit: a flora survey report for the clearing impact area must be submitted as part of the clearing permit application. This should be submitted no later than 12 months after the completion of the flora survey.

3.3.5 Notification of clearing

Notification to the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection is required as follows:

 For an activity exempt under section 261ZA: the submission of the survey is taken to be notification to the department. The clearing must occur within 2 years of the submission of the survey. This notification is required to demonstrate eligibility for the exemption to re-clear a particular area under section 261ZB of the regulation.  For an application for a clearing permit: if a permit is granted for the clearing impact area, the applicant must

notify the department when the clearing is started. This notification is required to demonstrate eligibility for the exemption to re-clear a particular area under section 261ZB of the regulation.

4. Survey method

4.1 Timed meander survey

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searches.

The meander method described herein is based on techniques described by Cropper (1993) and Goff et al. (1982), and will be suitable for a diversity of target species, habitats and project areas.

The default approach to undertake a meander survey is outlined in this section. The suitably qualified person may choose to rely on the published methodology for meander surveys rather than the adapted version as outlined. If that is the case, this must be declared in the flora survey report and the reasons for the choice.

The methodology outlined below is not a comprehensive description of the methodology. It assumes the suitably qualified person knows how to conduct a timed meander survey and so provides guidance at a higher level. This comprehensiveness is required so that impacts on EVNT species can be appropriately assessed by EHP. It also allows site design to potentially avoid known EVNT plants in the area to be surveyed. This is only possible if their precise location is known.

It should also be noted that the timed meander approach is not a sampling method. It is a risk based survey technique that allows survey to cease when it is unlikely that any more EVNT plants are to be found. As such, the area of the site to be surveyed may vary from a relatively small proportion to all of it, depending on how many EVNT plants are found during the survey.

Where there is uncertainty about what is required, the method described by Cropper (1993) and Goff et al. (1982) is to be referred to.

To achieve the highest rate of success, the meander technique relies on a comprehensive preliminary desktop assessment having been undertaken in order to target appropriate habitats for EVNT species likely to occur in the area.

It should be noted that areas other than those known to be habitat must also be sample surveyed as the preferred habitat of all EVNT species is not known. These should be categorised via desktop analysis and represent a cross section of all the vegetation communities present.

Where an EVNT plant is found in an area not thought to be habitat, that habitat type is to then be treated as a known habitat type and searched comprehensively as outlined below.

4.1.1 Preferred timed meander method

1. Choose a starting point within the particular habitat of interest and record the time. The choice of starting point is determined by the suitably qualified person based on their experience.

2. Record the identities of the EVNT plant species observed, and collect specimens for any unknown species. 3. Traverse the particular habitat in a random manner so as to maximise the coverage of habitat and the encounter rate of different species.

4. Record the time every 2 to 5 minutes. If the survey needs to be interrupted, do not include this time in the results.

5. Continue searching until no new species have been recorded for 30 minutes or when the entire area of habitat type is surveyed, whichever happens sooner.

Where multiple habitat types or vegetation communities are present within a clearing impact area, a timed meander assessment is to be undertaken within each of these.

Where certain preferred habitat types or vegetation communities may be extensively represented within a site, multiple meanders per habitat type should be undertaken across the clearing impact area to increase the

probability of detecting an EVNT species. For example, if several pockets of preferred habitat are represented on the site, timed meanders must be undertaken in each of these.

Meanders must be undertaken (at a minimum) at the following rate per area of habitat:  <10ha, two meanders

 Between 10ha and 100ha, between 2 and 5 meanders  >100 ha 5 meanders

Where suspected EVNT species are encountered, the extent and density of the population should be determined (refer ‘4.3 EVNT population survey’) and a more comprehensive assessment of the vegetation community and habitat should be undertaken (refer ‘quadrat survey’). A specimen of the EVNT species should be collected and submitted to the Queensland Herbarium together with the name of the collector, date and locality.

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4.2 Systematic transect search method

The systematic transect search method may be used. It is one of the most common survey methods and is generally well understood by botanists.

This method should be considered when surveying an entire site.

It follows transects to provide the greatest coverage possible of the area. Greatest coverage occurs with parallel transects spaced equidistant over the area.

If this method is selected, it must be consistent with a peer-reviewed method. References for the method must be supplied with the final survey report.

4.3 EVNT population survey

When an EVNT plant species has been recorded during a timed meander search or transect search, the population extent and density should be determined in order to quantify the potential impact. With regards to the population extent, mapping of the population within the clearing impact area is to be undertaken by traversing the periphery of the population whilst capturing spatial data. With regards to population density, the total number of individuals comprising the EVNT population is to be recorded. Where an EVNT population may be too dense for this to be practical, the density of the overall population should be estimated by counting the number of individuals within the quadrat (refer ‘quadrat survey’).

4.4 Plot survey

When an EVNT plant species has been recorded during a timed meander search or transect search, there is a requirement for a more comprehensive assessment to be undertaken. This is required in order to determine the species abundance, distribution and habitat associations, as well as to inform impact management measures. The preferred approach to collect additional data is plot-based assessment, described as follows.

Following the Queensland Herbarium’s methodology (Neldner et al., 2012), establish a plot measuring 50 m by 10 m. This is the preferred standard quadrat size for determining vegetation structure and composition for the majority of plant communities found in Queensland. An alternative plot size can be used, provided that this can be justified as appropriate to a particular species or habitat in the survey report. Within the plot, the following

information should be recorded and described:  The GPS location of each plot or plots

 The number of individuals of the EVNT species, as well as any other observations such as the age structure (if possible), reproductive state and health.

 A description of the vegetation structure, including noting the Regional Ecosystem (where relevant).  The identities of all flora taxa found in each of the strata comprising the vegetation community.  The landscape attributes including the landform type, soil type, geology, slope, aspect and altitude.

 Any specific habitat or micro-habitat features associated with the EVNT species. Notes must also be included on the nature and degree of any disturbance to the habitat.

4.4 Other methods

It is recognised that the appropriate survey methodology can vary depending on the environmental aspects, type of vegetation communities present and potential EVNT species that are being targeted.

It is recognised that there will be circumstances where the prescribed methods may not achieve the required outcomes.

If a variation from the methodology outlined in the Flora Survey Guideline is proposed, and it is beyond the scope of variation provided for in s.4.1, approval of the variation must be applied for in writing to EHP, either by letter or email, prior to the survey commencing. Contact details can be found on the EHP website at www.ehp.qld.gov.au.

4.5 Transitional provision

A flora survey undertaken for the purposes of the Nature Conservation Act 1992, during the period of 31 March 2013 to 31 March 2014, will be deemed to be valid and compliant with the purposes of the protected plants legislative framework commencing 31 March 2014, and will remain so for the period to 31 March 2015.

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5. Key definitions

For the purposes of this document:

"avoid" is defined as, for an EVNT plant in an area being cleared, the plant is not cleared and there is no clearing within 100m of the plant.

"clearing impact area" is defined as the area to be cleared (development footprint), including an additional area 100m in width around the development footprint.

"EVNT plant" is defined as a plant species listed as Endangered, Vulnerable or Near Threatened in the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006.

"supporting habitat" is defined as the components, including other plants, of the habitat necessary for the survival of an EVNT plant; this includes all least concern plants within 100m of the EVNT plant or population.

"preferred habitat" is defined as an area containing the prevailing ecological conditions critical to the survival of an EVNT plant species.

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6. References

Commonwealth Government (2013) Survey guidelines for Australia's threatened orchids: guidelines for detecting orchids listed as threatened under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999,

Commonwealth Government, Canberra.

Cropper, S. (1993) Management of endangered plants, CSIRO Publications, Melbourne.

Department of Environment and Conservation (2004) Threatened biodiversity survey and assessment: Guidelines for developments and activities, Department of Environment and Conservation, Hurstville.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (1997) Guide to a native vegetation survey: using the biological survey of South Australia, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Adelaide.

Environmental Protection Authority (2004) Guidance for the assessment of environmental factors: terrestrial flora and vegetation surveys for environmental impact assessment in Western Australia, Environmental Protection Authority, Perth.

Eyre, T.J., Kelly, A.L, Neldner, V.J., Wilson, B.A., Ferguson, D.J., Laidlaw, M.J. and Franks, A.J. (2011)

BioCondition: a condition assessment framework for terrestrial biodiversity in Queensland. Assessment Manual. Version 2.1. Department of Environment and Resource Management, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Sciences, Brisbane.

Fitzpatrick, M., Preisser, E., Ellison, A., Elkinton, J. (2009) Observer bias and the detection of low-density populations, Ecological Applications 19: 1673-1679.

Gerrard, G., Bekessy, S., McCarthy, M. and Wintle, B. (2008) When have we looked hard enough? A novel method for setting minimum survey effort protocols for flora surveys, Austral Ecology 33: 986 - 998.

Goff, F.G., Dawson, G.A. and Rochow, J.J. (1982) Site examination for threatened and endangered plant species. Environmental Management 6: 307-316.

Keith, D. A. (2000) Sampling designs, field techniques and analytical methods for systematic plant population surveys, Ecological Management and Restoration 1: 125 - 139.

Kery, M. and Gregg, K. (2003) Effects of life-state on detectability in a demographic study of the terrestrial orchid Cleistes bifaria, Journal of Ecology 91: 265-273.

McArdle, B. (1990) When are rare species not there? Oikos 57: 276-277.

McCaffrey, N., Blick, R., Glen, V., Fletcher, A., Erskine, P. and van Osta, J. (2014) Novel stratified-meander technique improves survey effort of the rare Pagoda Rock Daisy growing remotely on rocky cliff edges, Ecological Management and Restoration 15: 94 - 96.

Moore, J., Hauser, C., Bear, J., Williams, N., McCarthy, M. (2011) Estimating detection-effort curves for plants using search experiments, Ecological Applications 21: 601-607.

Neldner, V.J. and Butler D.W. (2008). Is 500 m2 an effective plot size to sample floristic diversity for Queensland’s vegetation? Cunninghamia 10: 513–519.

Neldner, V.J., Wilson, B.A., Thompson, E.J. and Dillewaard, H.A. (2012) Methodology for Survey and Mapping of Regional Ecosystems and Vegetation Communities in Queensland, Version 3.2, Queensland Herbarium,

Queensland Department

Queensland Herbarium (2013) Collection and preserving plant specimens, a manual. Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts.

Wintle, B., Walshe, T., Parris, K. and McCarthy, M. (2012) Designing occupancy surveys and interpreting non-detection when observations are imperfect, Diversity and Distributions 18: 417 - 424.

Flora Survey Guidelines - Protected Plants